Wednesday, December 15, 2010

So & So's Brandon Rogers and Amie Miriello perform at The Hotel Cafe.photo by picksysticks

The Hotel Cafe was the perfect setting for my first So & So experience, the new Los Angeles-based band from singer/songwriter Amie Miriello. It's been a long adventure for Amie, her musical journey spanning over a decade and around the country and ending up in Los Angeles where she joined up with American Idol alumni Brandon Rogers. Rounding out the rest of the band is Raisin Higgins, Adam Hanson and Bana Haffar.Showcasing songs from their upcoming debut album, "ASAP," So & So, with diverse musical backgrounds, embodies the sound of classic Americana, fusing folk, rhythm & blues and rock. . It's hard not to take your eyes off of Miriello. Her fiery on-stage presence along with her smoky voice makes for one hot performance. And if Miriello is the fire, then Rogers is the ice. Rogers is Mr. Cool on the keys and his refreshing, soulful vocals compliment Amie's. But even though their melodies are simple, their songs will stay with you long afterwards.

Rogers, you probably remember for being the first singer kicked off Season 6 of American Idol. But before Idol, Rogers was touring and singing with Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake. He met Amie at one of her shows and soon enough, his band was opening up for her at Molly Malones in the heart of Hollywood.

Miriello's journey was a long one. It’s been about four years since Miriello fronted the indie-alt band Dirtie Blonde and toured with the likes of INXS, Gavin DeGraw and Nick Lachey. Not long after, she went on her own and released her own solo album, "I Came Around," to rave reviews.

Now, with their debut-album expected to be released next year and an upcoming tour, So & So hopes 2011 will be their breakout year.